Magnetic modular assembly system for picture frame that includes specialized photography sequence and method of use

ABSTRACT

A modular system of displaying and framing images that includes magnets on the frame that allows for easy assembly of individual units and the easy display on a wall or on a flat surface. Additionally, each modular unit can connect with other individual units to grow the display in many directions. In an alternate embodiment, a frame is disclosed that allows for the display of non-traditional sized items, such as panoramic photos, in a single frame, using a simple connecting design. Specialized software that detects the date a photograph was taken can also be utilized to created progressive images of the same person or place that advance with time, given the known information of the dates of creation.

REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATION

This application claims the priority of provisional application 61/210,061, filed Mar. 12, 2009 entitled MAGNETIC MODULAR ASSEMBLY SYSTEM FOR PICTURE FRAME THAT INCLUDES SPECIALIZED PHOTOGRAPHY SEQUENCE AND METHOD OF USE by Trevor Elliott.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates broadly to the field of display frames for pictures, photos, and art and more specifically toward a method for how frames are assembled, both as individual units, as well as in combination of two or more individual units.

2. Description of the Prior Art

It is commonly desirable to prominently display for view by others, images in the form of photographs, drawings or other artwork. Framing of such images for display is long practiced and understood. A typical frame includes a backing for placement of the desired image, usually found on paper, a frame that surrounds the backing, a glass cover to cover the image while maintaining the ability to see the image, and means on the rear side of the backing that allows the display to be positioned either hung on a wall or sitting atop a surface.

One method of framing includes the display of multiple images. These images can be random photos, but more commonly, the images are related to each other in some way. Examples include a sequence of photos from the same event or a series of a child's drawings. Prior art addressing the display of multiple images usually includes a larger display that includes more than one framed area for the placement thereon of images of a variety of sizes and orientations.

It is also a common desire to control and reposition the display of these images over time. It is typical for images such as these to be posted with a removable adhesive back, with pins on a board or on a metal surface with magnets. Such steps leave the user with the ability to recreate the assemblage of the images into positions and frames that conform to the user's desires as they change over time.

These methods of repositioning involve only posting of the works, and provide no means for displaying of the work on a desk, wall, or other surface. Framing is usually more desirable in such instances since the right frame improves the aesthetic appearance of the work according to the displayer's personal tastes. However, traditional picture framing methods are time consuming when attaching the work to the frame. Because of this time-consuming aspect, it is often cumbersome to make changes or additions to a user's display of images over time. Moreover, prior art frames are static in shape and design. In the instance where a displayer wishes to start an ongoing display that grows with the addition of images, the prior art fails to satisfactorily provide a means for doing so.

Thus, there exists a need for an improved framing system that provides a frame that is quick to assemble or disassemble as a unit that can also be quickly assembled to be attached to additional units in order to create a single unit that includes sub-units in an almost infinite possibility of permutations with regard to composition. With such a system, the user need not buy a larger frame to grow the display of existing items. With this new system, the user will be able to grow upon displays already created as well as to edit the contents of each assembly of displays quickly and easily.

It is the primary object of the instant invention to provide an improved framing system that overcomes the limitations of prior art framing systems and provides a more versatile framing and display system for images.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide a framing system that enables a frame to be quickly and easily assembled or disassembled that provides that the images can be quickly and easily attached to frames.

It is yet a further object of the invention to provide a framing system that enables the separate frames to attach to each other with modularity in a fashion that allows for hundreds of possible combinations of frames that can be displayed on walls or horizontal surfaces, such as desks and tables.

It is yet another objection of the invention to provide a display means that can display photographs that are recognized by a computer program to be displayed sequentially as desired, such as watching the progression of a growing child, based on the date the photograph was taken.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The preferred embodiment of the present invention teaches an apparatus for the display of items comprising: a base frame further comprising: a back wall; a top perimeter that is attached to said back wall and that extends therefrom at a substantially ninety degree angle; a front face that is attached to said top perimeter and that extends therefrom at a substantially ninety degree angle and that places said front place substantially parallel to said back wall, thereby creating a first slit between said front face and said top perimeter; a bottom perimeter that is attached to said back wall and that extends therefrom at a substantially ninety degree angle; a bottom face that is attached to said bottom perimeter and that extends therefrom at a substantially ninety degree angle and that places said bottom plate substantially parallel to said back wall, thereby creating a second slit between said bottom face and said bottom perimeter; a first sidewall extending downward from said top perimeter to said bottom perimeter; a second sidewall extending downward from said top perimeter to said bottom perimeter; at least one magnet housed between said first sidewall and said back wall; at least one magnet housed between said second sidewall and said back wall; a display area between said top perimeter and said bottom perimeter; and a transparent cover to cover items placed in said display area that slides and fits on to said base frame between said first slit and said second slit; a first side frame housing at least one magnet therein to be placed against said first sidewall; and a second side frame housing at least one magnet therein to be placed against said second sidewall.

The above embodiment can be further modified by defining that at least one magnet is housed between said top perimeter and said back wall and at least one other magnet is housed between said bottom perimeter and said back wall.

The above embodiment can be further modified by defining that at least one magnet is housed in said back wall.

The above embodiment can be further modified by defining that a prop containing at least one magnet rests against said back wall and is attached thereto through said at least one magnet housed in said back wall to allow for displaying said apparatus on a flat surface.

The above embodiment can be further modified by defining that an aperture is located on said back wall to allow for hanging of said apparatus.

The above embodiment can be further modified by defining that said first sidewall and said second sidewall are attached simultaneously to more than one back wall through said magnets housed therein.

The above embodiment can be further modified by defining that said top perimeter is attached to the bottom perimeter of a second back wall.

The above embodiment can be further modified by defining that said bottom perimeter is attached to the top perimeter of a second back wall.

The above embodiment can be further modified by defining that the images placed in said display area include two or more photographic images that are displayed relative to when each of said photographic images were taken, as determined by a software program.

An alternate embodiment of instant invention teaches a method for displaying images comprising the steps of: acquiring an apparatus for the display of items comprising: a base frame further comprising: a back wall; a top perimeter that is attached to said back wall and that extends therefrom at a substantially ninety degree angle; a front face that is attached to said top perimeter and that extends therefrom at a substantially ninety degree angle and that places said front place substantially parallel to said back wall, thereby creating a first slit between said front face and said top perimeter; a bottom perimeter that is attached to said back wall and that extends therefrom at a substantially ninety degree angle; a bottom face that is attached to said bottom perimeter and that extends therefrom at a substantially ninety degree angle and that places said bottom plate substantially parallel to said back wall, thereby creating a second slit between said bottom face and said bottom perimeter; a first sidewall extending downward from said top perimeter to said bottom perimeter; a second sidewall extending downward from said top perimeter to said bottom perimeter; at least one magnet housed between said first sidewall and said back wall; at least one magnet housed between said second sidewall and said back wall; a display area between said top perimeter and said bottom perimeter; and a transparent cover to cover items placed in said display area that slides and fits on to said base frame between said first slit and said second slit; a first side frame housing at least one magnet therein to be placed against said first sidewall; and a second side frame housing at least one magnet therein to be placed against said second sidewall; placing an image on said display area between said first slit and said second slit; placing said transparent cover over said image on said display area between said first slit and said second slit; securing said first side frame to said first sidewall through said magnets; and securing said second side frame to said second sidewall through said magnets.

The above embodiment can be further modified by defining that at least one magnet is housed between said top perimeter and said back wall and at least one other magnet is housed between said bottom perimeter and said back wall, thereby allowing for the connection of more than one apparatus one on top of another.

The above embodiment can be further modified by defining that at least one magnet is housed in said back wall thereby allowing for the attachment to a prop containing at least one magnet allowing said apparatus to rest against said prop to allow for displaying said apparatus on a flat surface.

The above embodiment can be further modified by defining that an aperture is located on said back wall to allow for hanging of said apparatus for display.

The above embodiment can be further modified by defining that said first sidewall and said second sidewall are attached simultaneously to more than one back wall through said magnets housed therein.

The above embodiment can be further modified by defining that the images placed in said display area include two or more photographic images that are displayed relative to when each of said photographic images were taken, as determined by a software program.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

This invention can better be understood by reference to the drawings, provided for exemplary purposes, and in which:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the basic assembly of the instant invention.

FIG. 2 is an isometric exploded view of the basic assembly of the instant invention.

FIG. 3 is taken along the line 3-3 in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an optional prop.

FIG. 5 is a rear isometric view of the basic assembly of the instant invention with the prop of FIG. 4 in place.

FIG. 6 is a first embodiment of a spacer for use in expanding the basic assembly of the instant invention.

FIG. 7 is a second embodiment of a spacer for use in expanding the basic assembly of the instant invention.

FIG. 8 is a third embodiment of a spacer for use in expanding the basic assembly of the instant invention.

FIG. 9 is a fourth embodiment of a spacer for use in expanding the basic assembly of the instant invention.

FIG. 10 is a top view of an expansion of the basic assembly of the instant invention using the spacer shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 11 is a side view of an expansion of the basic assembly of the instant invention using the spacer shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 12 is a top view of an expansion of the basic assembly of the instant invention using the spacer shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 13 is a front isometric view of an expansion of the basic assembly of the instant invention using the spacer shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 14 is a front isometric view of an expansion of the basic assembly of the instant invention using the spacer shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 15 is a front isometric view of an alternate embodiment of the basic assembly of the instant invention where a long, thin frame is created.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The instant invention seeks to create a system and method for displaying images, such as drawings, photographs and the like in a framing manner that is versatile, quick, easy and capable of expanding, limited only by the imagination of the user. The framing system uses magnets for assembly and connection. The invention provides an improved and unique system for containing media—photographic or art. This magnetic system allows for easy assembly of an individual frame as well as assembly and connection with other individual frames, in a modular fashion that allows a plurality of frames to magnetically hold together in many possible combinations. The display can be presented either standing on a flat surface or mounted on a wall. On each separate component piece of the frame, there are no moveable or adjustable parts, and no fasteners of any kind. The component parts come together only through magnetic coupling with its corresponding components.

In the preferred embodiment, the framing structure grows to a size limited only by the desires of the user. Furthermore, as part of the invention, specialized software can be utilized that automatically progresses portraits of children or others based on the passage of time as the software used reads the data on the digital file to determine the date of creation. In this embodiment, as the frame grows, the image of the person or other photograph subject in the frame also advances with time.

As seen in the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates the most basic modular structure of the framing system. This modular structure 10 as illustrated herein has a substantially rectangular shape and includes a base portion 12 that includes a space 14 for the placement therein of the flat item to be displayed. A transparent cover 16 slides into place over the space 14. Also included in the basic modular structure 10 is a first side 18 and a second side 20.

FIG. 2 shows the assembly 10 in exploded form. In this view it is easily viewable how the transparent cover 16 slides over the area 14 where the item is displayed. The base portion 12 includes a back wall 22, a top portion 24 and a bottom portion 26. Both the top portion 24 and the bottom portion 26 include flanges 28, 30 that extend upward away from the top portion 24 and the bottom portion 26, respectively. Slots created by the junction of the top portion 24 and its corresponding flange 28 and the junction of the bottom portion 26 and its corresponding flange 30 identified as 32 and 34 create a place for the easy insertion of the transparent cover 16 therethrough.

The base portion 12 includes two side walls 36, 38 that connect the top portion 24 and the bottom portion 26 and the interior space 14. Each of these sidewalls 36, 38 contain one or more magnets 40 that allow for easy attachment to the detachable sidewalls 18, 20, which also contain magnets 42. The magnets 42 are covered by veneers 41.

It is to be noted, however, that while the embodiment illustrated herein includes magnets 40 that connect with another magnet 42, it is also possible within the scope of this invention to have the magnets 40 attach to sidewalls that are made of metal. The side view of the magnet-to-magnet configuration is shown in cross sectional detail on FIG. 3.

Part of the invention includes the ability to maintain versatility and ease of construction for displaying a single module. This is demonstrated in FIG. 5. FIG. 4 shows a prop 44 that provides a place upon which the module 10 can rest against for displaying on a flat surface. This prop 44 includes magnets 46. In FIG. 5, the basic module 10 is shown from the rear. The rear includes a wall 48 that has housed therein magnets 620 (not shown in this view, but can be seen in FIG. 12) for attachment to the prop 44. Also on the rear wall 48 includes a hole 50 that allows the module 10 to be hung on a wall.

FIGS. 6-9 begin to demonstrate the versatility of the system with regard to its ability to provide customized displays. FIGS. 6-9 display a variety of different spacers that can be used in conjunction with one or more modules. FIG. 6 is a spacer 52 like the basic sides 18, 20 depicted in the basic module, including the interior magnets 420. Use of this spacer 52 is also illustrated in FIG. 13. FIG. 7 provides a spacer 53 that has a cross-sectional trapezoidal shape to provide for a variety of angles when connecting two modules together (seen in detail in FIGS. 10-11). This spacer 53 also includes magnets 420.

FIG. 8 provides a spacer 54 that is similar in shape to FIG. 6, but which is thicker and contains magnets 420 facing the same direction as the previous spacers, but also includes magnets 520 that are oriented in the plane perpendicular to the plane that includes magnets 420. The use of this spacer 54 is seen in detail in FIG. 12.

FIG. 9 is a spacer 56 that in cross section is similar in shape to the basic frame 12 of the basic module 10. It includes a wall 58, a top 60 with flange 62 and a bottom 64 with a flange 66. Slots 68, 70 are created that allow for ease in placing between basic modules 10. This spacer 56 also includes magnets 720. Use of this spacer 56 is illustrated in FIG. 14.

Turning to FIG. 10, we begin to see how the basic module can expand through the addition of one or more modules. In this illustration, the 53 spacer is used that creates an angle a that is determined by the exact angular structure of the spacer 53. In this illustration the images 14 are shown on the substantially concave side 72 of the combination, but it is to be understood that it is possible for the orientation to show the images 14 on the substantially convex 74 side of the combination.

FIG. 11 illustrates the use of spacer 53 as a bottom prop for a basic module 10. The magnets 420 in the spacer 53 connect with a magnet 820 that can be placed on the bottom portion 26 of the base 12.

FIG. 12 shows the use of the spacer 54 shown in FIG. 8 that provides for a substantially 90 degree angle between two basic modules. In this illustration the images 14 are shown facing away from each other, but it is to be understood that the orientation could be such that the images were facing each other.

FIG. 13 illustrates the use of the basic spacer 52 to attach a series of four modules 10 in a linear formation. A variation on this construction is shown in FIG. 14 where the spacer used is the spacer 56 illustrated in FIG. 9.

FIG. 15 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the invention that provides for one long frame for displaying panoramic photographs or a series of photographs, such as a progression of photographs that are created by a software program that reads the data on digital photographs and can arrange a series of photographs in chronological order, displaying, for example, the change and growth in a child's face over time. In this embodiment the basic module 100 is less square shaped and is more asymmetrical with regard to the length of parallel sides on one side of the rectangle and the length of parallel sides on the other side of the rectangle. This module 100 contains a basic frame 120 that is formed to create a space 140 for displaying the image. The basic frame has a top 240 and a bottom 260. Both the top 240 and the bottom 240 include flanges that created a front face on the top 280 and a front face on the bottom 300 as well as corresponding slits 320, 340 for the easy sliding in of a transparent cover 160 to cover the image 140. A first side 180 and a second side 220 easily attach through magnets 820 found in the sides 180, 220 that attach to corresponding magnets 320 in the base frame 120. Seen here are magnets 920, 400 of a slightly different shape than those shown in the other illustrations. This is to show that the shape of the magnets can vary with the shape of the structures created by this invention.

The illustrations and examples provided herein are for explanatory purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims. This disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the spirit and scope of the invention and/or claims of the embodiment illustrated. Those skilled in the art will make modifications to the invention for particular applications of the invention.

The discussion included in this patent is intended to serve as a basic description. The reader should be aware that the specific discussion may not explicitly describe all embodiments possible and alternatives are implicit. Also, this discussion may not fully explain the generic nature of the invention and may not explicitly show how each feature or element can actually be representative or equivalent elements. Again, these are implicitly included in this disclosure. Where the invention is described in device-oriented terminology, each element of the device implicitly performs a function. It should also be understood that a variety of changes may be made without departing from the essence of the invention. Such changes are also implicitly included in the description. These changes still fall within the scope of this invention.

Further, each of the various elements of the invention and claims may also be achieved in a variety of manners. This disclosure should be understood to encompass each such variation, be it a variation of any apparatus embodiment, a method embodiment, or even merely a variation of any element of these. Particularly, it should be understood that as the disclosure relates to elements of the invention, the words for each element may be expressed by equivalent apparatus terms even if only the function or result, is the same. Such equivalent, broader, or even more generic terms should be considered to be encompassed in the description of each element or action. Such terms can be substituted where desired to make explicit the implicitly broad coverage to which this invention is entitled. It should be understood that all actions may be expressed as a means for taking that action or as an element which causes that action. Similarly, each physical element disclosed should be understood to encompass a disclosure of the action which that physical element facilitates. Such changes and alternative terms are to be understood to be explicitly included in the description. 

1. An apparatus for the display of items comprising: a base frame further comprising: a back wall; a top perimeter that is attached to said back wall and that extends therefrom at a substantially ninety degree angle; a front face that is attached to said top perimeter and that extends therefrom at a substantially ninety degree angle and that places said front place substantially parallel to said back wall, thereby creating a first slit between said front face and said top perimeter; a bottom perimeter that is attached to said back wall and that extends therefrom at a substantially ninety degree angle; a bottom face that is attached to said bottom perimeter and that extends therefrom at a substantially ninety degree angle and that places said bottom plate substantially parallel to said back wall, thereby creating a second slit between said bottom face and said bottom perimeter; a first sidewall extending downward from said top perimeter to said bottom perimeter; a second sidewall extending downward from said top perimeter to said bottom perimeter; at least one magnet housed between said first sidewall and said back wall; at least one magnet housed between said second sidewall and said back wall; and a display area between said top perimeter and said bottom perimeter; a first side frame housing at least one magnet therein to be placed against said first sidewall; and a second side frame housing at least one magnet therein to be placed against said second sidewall.
 2. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein there further comprises a transparent cover to cover items placed in said display area that slides and fits on to said base frame between said first slit and said second slit.
 3. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein at least one magnet is housed between said top perimeter and said back wall and at least one other magnet is housed between said bottom perimeter and said back wall.
 4. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein at least one magnet is housed in said back wall.
 5. The apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein a prop containing at least one magnet rests against said back wall and is attached thereto through said at least one magnet housed in said back wall to allow for displaying said apparatus on a flat surface.
 6. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein an aperture is located on said back wall to allow for hanging of said apparatus.
 7. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said first sidewall and said second sidewall are attached simultaneously to more than one back wall through said magnets housed therein.
 8. The apparatus as defined in claim 3 wherein said top perimeter is attached to the bottom perimeter of a second back wall.
 9. The apparatus as defined in claim 3 wherein said bottom perimeter is attached to the top perimeter of a second back wall.
 10. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein the images placed in said display area include two or more photographic images that are displayed relative to when each of said photographic images were taken, as determined by a software program.
 11. A method for displaying images comprising the steps of: acquiring an apparatus for the display of items comprising: a base frame further comprising: a back wall; a top perimeter that is attached to said back wall and that extends therefrom at a substantially ninety degree angle; a front face that is attached to said top perimeter and that extends therefrom at a substantially ninety degree angle and that places said front place substantially parallel to said back wall, thereby creating a first slit between said front face and said top perimeter; a bottom perimeter that is attached to said back wall and that extends therefrom at a substantially ninety degree angle; a bottom face that is attached to said bottom perimeter and that extends therefrom at a substantially ninety degree angle and that places said bottom plate substantially parallel to said back wall, thereby creating a second slit between said bottom face and said bottom perimeter; a first sidewall extending downward from said top perimeter to said bottom perimeter; a second sidewall extending downward from said top perimeter to said bottom perimeter; at least one magnet housed between said first sidewall and said back wall; at least one magnet housed between said second sidewall and said back wall; a display area between said top perimeter and said bottom perimeter; and a transparent cover to cover items placed in said display area that slides and fits on to said base frame between said first slit and said second slit; a first side frame housing at least one magnet therein to be placed against said first sidewall; and a second side frame housing at least one magnet therein to be placed against said second sidewall; placing an image on said display area between said first slit and said second slit; placing said transparent cover over said image on said display area between said first slit and said second slit; securing said first side frame to said first sidewall through said magnets; and securing said second side frame to said second sidewall through said magnets.
 12. The method as defined in claim 11 wherein at least one magnet is housed between said top perimeter and said back wall and at least one other magnet is housed between said bottom perimeter and said back wall, thereby allowing for the connection of more than one apparatus one on top of another.
 13. The apparatus as defined in claim 11 wherein at least one magnet is housed in said back wall thereby allowing for the attachment to a prop containing at least one magnet allowing said apparatus to rest against said prop to allow for displaying said apparatus on a flat surface.
 14. The apparatus as defined in claim 12 wherein an aperture is located on said back wall to allow for hanging of said apparatus for display.
 15. The apparatus as defined in claim 11 wherein said first sidewall and said second sidewall are attached simultaneously to more than one back wall through said magnets housed therein.
 16. The apparatus as defined in claim 11 wherein the images placed in said display area include two or more photographic images that are displayed relative to when each of said photographic images were taken, as determined by a software program. 